Chapters 7-9 Summary

Chapter 7

Johnny goes through what he figures is new-guy initiation. He gets strange looks and people are distant in the cafeteria when he approaches them. His locker gets vandalized with the word fag.

Johnny recognizes there are two groups at the school: the kids who come from old money, and the kids who have screwed up and who are here to get back on track. When Johnny sees Maria, he knows she is of this second group, like him. She is tough, strong, wearing authentic high army boots. Johnny is smitten. She approaches him at his locker, and they talk. When she sees his picture of Debbie Harry, she is put-off, thinking Blondie is a disco group. Johnny tries to enlighten her but soon she walks away.

Chapter 8

Johnny has not yet built up the courage to talk to Maria again...